Package for sterile hypodermic needles



June 27, 1961 J. L. HITT 2,990,059

PACKAGE FOR STERILE HYPODERMIC NEEDLES Filed June 1a, 1958 FIG. I.

INVENTOR Jonnie Lee Hiff- BY ga 5 7% h 2,990,059 PACKAGE FOR STERILE HYPODERMIC NEEDLE S Jonnie Lee I-Iitt, R.F.D. 1, Box 376, Landover, Md. Filed June 16, 1958, Ser. No. 742,310 2 Claims. (Cl. 206-631) My invention relates to a package for use in connection with the heat sterilization of hypodermic needles and the like. When inoculating large numbers of people at a time, it is necessary to have large numbers of needles readily available in a sterile condition. Accordingly, means must be provided to heat sterilize the needles in large numbers.

One of the objects of the invention is to provide a cheap package that will permit heating the needles in quantity to sterilize them and keep them sterile, if handled in the described manner.

Referring to the drawing for a more complete disclosure of the invention:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a paper strip for conversion into a package for protecting the needle,

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the needle in position in the package with the package in partly closed position,

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view showing the needle with the package in folded closed position,

FIG. 4 is an underside perspective view of the package in folded closed position with the accompanying syringe.

In carrying out my invention I first provide a strip of paper 1 of predetermined length and width that has spaced holes 2 and 2. In use, the strip 1 is foldable along the lines 4 and 5 to provide flaps 6 and 7. The strip is also foldable along the line 8 to provide a flap 9. The needle 3 and its hub 11 lie on the base after having pressed the hub 11 of the needle through the hole 2. The flap 6 is then folded down flat over the hub 11 and the needle 3. The flap 7 is then folded down over the flap 6. The flap 9 is turned under the base 10 with the hub 11 engaging the hole 2'.

In attaching the sterile syringe 12 to the hub 11 after sterilization, the needle and syringe are protected against contamination by handling by the paper package.

2,990,059 Patented June 27, 1961 When the package is in the closed position, a large number of them can be laid flat in a pan and subjected to dry heat to sterilize them, thus permitting quantity sterilization. When sterilization has been completed, the package can be removed from the pan and can be handled without contacting the needle. When it is desired to use a needle, the paper package may be removed from the needle by unfolding the flaps or otherwise.

I claim:

1. A package of hypodermic needles comprising a strip of paper having a base portion, a flap at each end of the base portion, both of the said flaps being foldable along transverse lines to overlie the base, an aperture in the transverse line at one end of the base portion, a hypodermic needle having a holder lying on the base with the flaps overlying the needle and holder, the end of the holder extending through the said aperture, and means for holding the base and flaps in closed assembled position to form a package.

2. A package of hypodermic needles comprising a strip of paper having a base portion, a flap at each end of the base portion, a flap at the end of one of the aforesaid flaps, both of the said flaps being foldable along transverse lines to lie against the base, an aperture in the transverse line at one end of the base portion and another aperture in the transverse line between one of the first-mentioned flaps and the last-mentioned flap, a hypodermic needle having a holder lying on the base with the first two flaps overlying the needle and holder, the last-mentioned flap being folded under the base, the said apertures being superposed when the flaps are in superposed folded position, the end of the holder extending through the superposed apertures when the base and flaps are in closed assembled position to form a package.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,312,513 Beach Aug. 12, 1919 2,645,339 Toy July 14, 1953 FOREIGN PATENTS 823,318 Germany Dec. 3, 1951 

